Four Ways of Simplifying Work

Much work these days is packaged up as projects, with plans, resources and
time-bound deliverables. Managing projects is a skill as the various risks and
issues can easily trip you up. In particular the sheer complexity can cause much
extra work and conceal important issues.

Here, then, are four ways of making things simpler by separating out things
that need your attention in different ways.

Attention

Separate things that require attention now from points of information. This
allows a sharper focus on action. For example items that require decisions may
be covered first in a meeting, then information discussions continued in the
remaining time.

Planned action

Separate planned action from unexpected action. This allows both to be
clearly managed and for plans to be revised as needed. For example issues are
managed separately from standard project plans, thus allowing both onto the
stage.

Communications

Separate internal project communications from external communications.
Internal communications can be detailed, technical, textual and full of jargon.
External communications should be focused, brief, visual and use Plain English.

And...

You can also use the principle of separation to create clarity in documents
and presentations by: